About AEYC-MO

AEYC-MO connects early childhood professionals across Missouri.

The Association for the Education of Young Children of Missouri (AEYC-MO) was established as a state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in the 1960s. Serving those who work with and on behalf of young children, AEYC-MO was an all-volunteer organization until September 1999.

MissionAEYC-MO, like NAEYC, promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth though 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate , and work on behalf of young children.

Vision
All young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.

Core Values

Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.

Base our work on the knowledge of how children develop and learn.

Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.

Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community , and society

Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family, member, and colleague).

Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues.

Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.

Bylaws
The bylaws are reviewed and revised as the board feels is warranted to continue meeting the needs of the organization and to move forward with ever changing technology and communication.

History
In 1996, the organization developed goals, objectives and strategies in the areas of organizational effectiveness, professional growth and development, and public policy/advocacy. In early 1999, the AEYC-MO Governing Board achieved several of these goals with the opening of a state office and the hiring of an executive director. Successful implementation of many of these goals has resulted in improved membership support, especially in the area of advocacy.

Beginning in 2000, the board responded to NAEYC’s national plan for restructuring the organization from top to bottom, which required application for re-affiliation by all state affiliates. By July of 2002, the board had reorganized the state structure to move from 13 local affiliate chapters to four, covering the whole state, and had adopted a new, streamlined board composition and structure. By the end of 2003, AEYC-MO had developed new policies and procedures for operations, financial management, programs and services, membership, and continuing organizational development. Having met all the new standards set for re-affiliation, AEYC-MO was again granted affiliate status by NAEYC in March 2004.

A significant aspect of the standards for re-affiliation was the development of an outcomes-based strategic plan. In July 2003, the AEYC-MO board approved a three-year strategic plan for implementation in 2004 - 2006. The plan includes 10-15 year outcomes with measurable indicators, three-year goals, and one-year objectives. Outcomes and goals cover Financial and Business Administration, Professional Development, Marketing/Public Relations, Membership, Public Policy and Communications, Governance, Leadership, and Affiliate Relations.